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Case 1:13-cv-13010-PBS Document 1 Filed 11/25/13 Page 1 of 13
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS
GLAXOSMITHKLINE LLC,
Plaintiff,
Civil Action No.: 13-cv-13010
v.
THE CHEROKEE NATION and TODD
HEMBREE,
Defendants.
COMPLAINT
Plaintiff, GlaxoSmithKline LLC (“GSK”), for its Complaint against the defendants, the
Cherokee Nation (the “Cherokee Nation” or the “Tribe”) and Todd Hembree, respectfully shows
to the Court and alleges that:
INTRODUCTION
1.
This is a declaratory judgment action arising out of a Settlement Agreement
between GSK and the United States of America relating to GSK’s allegedly illegal marketing,
sale and promotion of Avandia®, Avandamet®, and Avandaryl® (collectively, “Avandia”).1
The United States entered into the Settlement Agreement on its own behalf, and on behalf of the
Cherokee Nation, among others. Accordingly, the Settlement Agreement is binding on the
Cherokee Nation.
1
A copy of the Agreement (hereafter, the “Avandia Settlement Agreement” or the “Settlement
Agreement”) is attached as Exhibit 1.
Case 1:13-cv-13010-PBS Document 1 Filed 11/25/13 Page 2 of 13
2.
Avandia is an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes and is in a class of
drugs called thiazolidinediones. The federal Food and Drug Administration approved Avandia
for sale in May 1999 and Avandia has been on the market since then.
3.
The Avandia Settlement Agreement is governed by “the laws of the United
States.”2 The “exclusive jurisdiction and venue for any dispute” arising under the Settlement
Agreement is the “United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.”3
4.
In the face of the Avandia Settlement Agreement’s exclusive jurisdiction and
venue provision, on August 9, 2013, the Cherokee Nation filed a Petition against GSK in the
District Court of the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Oklahoma (hereafter, “the Tribal Court”).
The suit seeks to recover “damages and other relief” for GSK’s allegedly “illegal marketing, sale
and promotion” of Avandia.4
5.
By filing suit in the Tribal Court for conduct relating to the marketing, sale and
promotion of Avandia, the Cherokee Nation breached the Avandia Settlement Agreement in
three ways. First, the Avandia Settlement Agreement clearly specifies that the exclusive
jurisdiction and venue over disputes under the Avandia Settlement Agreement are vested in the
United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.5 Filing suit in the Tribal Court
was a breach of this exclusive jurisdiction and venue provision. Second, the Cherokee Nation’s
suit runs afoul of the Avandia Settlement Agreement because it asserts claims that were released
2
See Exhibit 1 at ¶ 16.
3
Id.
4
A copy of the Cherokee Nation’s Third Amended Petition (“Petition”) in the Tribal Court is
attached hereto as Exhibit 2.
5
Exhibit 1 at ¶ 16.
-2-
Case 1:13-cv-13010-PBS Document 1 Filed 11/25/13 Page 3 of 13
under the Avandia Settlement Agreement.6 Third, the suit purports to seek relief under the
“statutory, common, and decisional laws of the Cherokee Nation,” notwithstanding that disputes
under the Settlement Agreement are “governed under the laws of the United States.”7
6.
In addition, the Tribal Court lacks jurisdiction over the Cherokee Nation’s claims
against GSK because GSK is not a member or citizen of the Cherokee Nation.
7.
By this action, GSK seeks a declaration determining the scope of the released
claims under the Avandia Settlement Agreement, and entry of judgment on any and all claims
determined by this Court to have been released. In addition, GSK seeks a declaration that the
Tribal Court lacks jurisdiction to hear and determine released claims under the Avandia
Settlement Agreement, or to decide claims brought against GSK as a non-citizen of the Cherokee
Nation. Finally, if necessary, GSK seeks an injunction barring the Cherokee Nation from
pursuing its claims, including all claims released by the Avandia Settlement Agreement, in the
Tribal Court.
PARTIES
8.
GlaxoSmithKline LLC is a limited liability corporation organized and existing
under the laws of the State of Delaware. GSK is a citizen of Delaware. GSK is not a citizen or
member of the Cherokee Nation.
9.
The Cherokee Nation alleges in its Petition that it is a sovereign body politic
created by the Cherokee Nation Constitution and laws of the Cherokee Nation. Todd Hembree is
the Attorney General for the Cherokee Nation. Attorney General Hembree is sued in his official
capacity.
6
Id. at ¶ 2.
7
Id.
-3-
Case 1:13-cv-13010-PBS Document 1 Filed 11/25/13 Page 4 of 13
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
10.
The Court has jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331, as this action arises
under the Constitution, laws, or treaties of the United States, raising the federal question of the
scope of the adjudicative jurisdiction of the Tribal Courts of the Cherokee Nation. Moreover, the
Court has and retains federal question jurisdiction because the United States agreed, on behalf of
the Cherokee Nation and others, that the “exclusive jurisdiction and venue for any dispute arising
between and among the Parties” under the Avandia Settlement Agreement is the “United States
District Court for the District of Massachusetts.”
11.
Venue is proper in this judicial district under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b). Venue is also
proper under the Avandia Settlement Agreement.
THE AVANDIA SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
12.
The Avandia Settlement Agreement resolved the United States’ civil
investigation concerning the marketing, sale and promotion of Avandia. Paragraph E of the
Avandia Settlement Agreement sets forth the government’s civil allegations relating to GSK’s
conduct with respect to Avandia.8
13.
A related criminal proceeding, titled United States of America v.
GlaxoSmithKline, LLC, Criminal Action No. 12-10206-RWZ, and assigned to the Hon. Rya W.
Zobel, also involved the marketing, sale and promotion of Avandia. Count Three of the
Information sets forth the government’s allegations relating to GSK’s conduct with respect to
Avandia.9 The United States and GSK resolved the criminal proceeding pursuant to a Plea
8
Exhibit 1 at ¶ E.
9
A copy of the Information is attached as Exhibit 3.
-4-
Case 1:13-cv-13010-PBS Document 1 Filed 11/25/13 Page 5 of 13
Agreement dated June 27, 2012,10 the terms of which were adopted by Judge Zobel at a July 5,
2012 plea and sentencing hearing,11 and embodied in a Judgment.12 That Plea Agreement also
resolved certain civil actions against GSK.13
14.
In connection with the written Plea Agreement (Exhibit 4) GSK and the United
States also entered into the Avandia Settlement Agreement (Exhibit 1). Under the Avandia
Settlement Agreement, the terms “United States,” “GSK” and “the parties” are defined as
follows (id. at 1):
This Settlement Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and
among the United States of America, acting through the United
States Department of Justice and on behalf of the Office of
Inspector General (“OIG-HHS”) of the United States Department
of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), the TRICARE
Management Activity (“TMA”), the United States Department of
Veteran’s Affairs (“VA”), and the United States Office of Personal
Management (“OPM”) (collectively the “United States”, and
GlaxoSmithKline LLC (“GSK”), through their authorized
representatives. Collectively, all of the above will be referred to as
“the Parties.”
The definitions of the “United States” and “the Parties” specifically includes the “Department of
Health and Human Services (‘HHS’).” The Cherokee Nation is a Party to the Avandia
Settlement Agreement by virtue of its legal relationship with HHS.
15.
In addition to being a Party to the Settlement Agreement, the Cherokee Nation’s
purchases are covered by Paragraph D of the Settlement Agreement, which identifies the
“Government Health Care Programs” that purchased Avandia or were caused to purchase
10
A copy of the Plea Agreement is attached as Exhibit 4.
11
A copy of the transcript of the Plea and Sentencing Hearing is attached as Exhibit 5.
12
A copy of the Judgment is attached as Exhibit 6.
13
See, e.g., United States et al. ex rel. Thorpe, et al. v. GSK et al., Civ. No. 11-10398, and cases
consolidated therein (D. Mass.).
-5-
Case 1:13-cv-13010-PBS Document 1 Filed 11/25/13 Page 6 of 13
Avandia. One of the Programs identified in Paragraph D is the “Veterans Affairs Program,”
referring to the Federal Supply Schedule (“FSS”) for pharmaceutical products administered by
the Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) under which certain government entities may make
purchases. The Tribe purchased Avandia through the FSS administered by the VA based upon a
contract between the VA and GSK. Thus, the Tribe’s purchases of Avandia were purchases by a
Government Health Care Program as defined in Paragraph D of the Settlement Agreement.
16.
Paragraph 2 of the Avandia Settlement Agreement sets forth the terms of the
release to GSK:
the United States [including HHS] (on behalf of itself, its officers,
agencies and departments) agrees and releases GSK … from any
civil or administrative monetary claim that the United States
[including HHS] has or may have for Covered Conduct under …
[certain federal statutes] and common law claims for fraud,
payment by mistake, breach of contract, disgorgement and unjust
enrichment.14
17.
Pursuant to Paragraph E of the Avandia Settlement Agreement, the release
covers conduct during the period from January 2000 through December 2010. Paragraph 11
provides that the release is intended for the benefit of “the Parties,” a defined term that includes
the “United States,” “HHS,” and the “VA.”15
THE CHEROKEE NATION IS A PARTY TO
THE AVANDIA SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
18.
The Avandia Settlement Agreement releases claims of “officers, agencies and
departments” of the United States, including those within the Department of Health and Human
Services.16 The Cherokee Nation acted as part of the Indian Health Service, which is an agency
14
Exhibit 1 at ¶ 2.
15
Exhibit 1 at p. 1.
16
Exhibit 1 at ¶ 2.
-6-
Case 1:13-cv-13010-PBS Document 1 Filed 11/25/13 Page 7 of 13
of HHS,17 for all or substantially all of the Avandia purchases that are the subject of the
Cherokee Nation’s Petition.
19.
The Cherokee Nation purchased all or substantially all of the Avandia at issue in
the Complaint through wholesalers at prices set by the FSS, based upon a contract between the
Department of Veterans Affairs and GSK offering federally-mandated, discounted prices for
Avandia and other medicines. The “Veterans Affairs Program” is one of the “Government
Health Care Programs” covered by the Settlement Agreement.18 Thus, the Tribe’s purchases of
Avandia were purchases by a Government Health Care Program as defined in Paragraph D of the
Settlement Agreement.
20.
When it paid for Avandia at prices set by the FSS, the Cherokee Nation acted as
an executive agency and part of HHS because, pursuant to a federal statute, it was “deemed” to
be an executive agency and part of HHS for any purchases of Avandia made pursuant to the
FSS.19 The Cherokee Nation’s purchase of Avandia at FSS prices was legal only if it was acting
as part of HHS.
21.
The Cherokee Nation elected to accept federal funds so that it could self-
administer health care programs that would otherwise be provided by the federal government.20
17
IHS is part of the Public Health Service, 25 U.S.C. § 1661(a)(1), (b) and the Public Health
Service is established within HHS, 42 U.S.C. § 202.
18
Exhibit 1 at 1 ¶ D.
19
25 U.S.C. § 450j(k)
20
See, e.g., Cherokee Nation Res. 75-08, “A Resolution Ratifying a Self-Governance Compact
with the United States of America, Health and Human Services, and Indian Health Service”
(enacted 8/28/2008) (noting that “each annual budget approved by the Council of the Cherokee
Nation since [1993] has included programs, services, functions and activities of the IHS and
associated funding for self-governance programs which were included in funding agreements,”
and accepting funding until September 30, 2011); Indian Health Service, JUSTIFICATION OF
ESTIMATES FOR APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEES: FISCAL YEAR 2014 at 211 (2012), available at
(continued…)
-7-
Case 1:13-cv-13010-PBS Document 1 Filed 11/25/13 Page 8 of 13
As part of its election, the Cherokee Nation was given the option of purchasing drugs on a
federal contract, the FSS, at federally-negotiated, discounted prices that are typically available
only to federal purchasers.21 The Tribe is an eligible purchaser on the FSS only because,
pursuant to 25 U.S.C. § 450j(k), a tribe will be “deemed an executive agency and part of the
Indian Health Services [which is part of HHS]” when it is acting to self-administer its tribal
healthcare system pursuant to an agreement under the Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act of 1975 (“ISDEAA”). 25 U.S.C. § 450j, et. seq. Thus, as a matter of federal law,
the Tribe acted as an agency of HHS for the purposes of its Avandia purchases.
22.
The Cherokee Nation could not have purchased Avandia through the FSS at
federally-procured, discounted prices if it was not acting as part of HHS. Not only did the Tribe
purchase all or substantially all of the Avandia at issue pursuant to the FSS , it did so at “big
four” price discounts. The FSS is available to federal buyers as outlined in 40 U.S.C. §501-502,
but “big four” price discounts are discounts that Congress requires pharmaceutical manufacturers
to provide to only four federal agencies: the “Department of Veterans Affairs,” the Department
of Defense, “the Public Health Service, including the Indian Health Service,” and the Coast
Guard.22
23.
Agencies receiving “big four” discounts are not permitted to share those
discounts with other entities.23 Accordingly, the Tribe could only access “big four” pricing
http://www.ihs.gov/budgetformulation/includes/themes/newihstheme/documents/FY2014Budget
Justification.pdf (noting IHS funding for Cherokee Nation in fiscal year 2012).
21
40 U.S.C. §§ 501-02.
22
38 U.S.C. § 8126(a)(4).
23
“Audit of the Federal Bureau of Prisons Pharmacy Services,” Office of Inspector General
(Report 06-03) (Nov. 2005), available at
http://www.justice.gov/oig/reports/BOP/a0603/findings.htm (citing a legal opinion by the
Department of Veterans Affairs).
-8-
Case 1:13-cv-13010-PBS Document 1 Filed 11/25/13 Page 9 of 13
discounts on Avandia by acting as an extension of the Indian Health Service, and thus, an agency
of HHS.
24.
For the purposes of Cherokee Nation’s Avandia purchases, therefore, Cherokee
Nation is an executive agency of HHS, a Party to the Avandia Settlement Agreement, and
subject to the release from the “United States,” including “HHS,” to GSK.24
THE CHEROKEE NATION DOES NOT HAVE ADJUDICATORY
AUTHORITY OVER GSK’S ALLEGED CONDUCT RELATING TO AVANDIA
BECAUSE GSK IS NOT A CITIZEN OR MEMBER OF THE CHEROKEE NATION
25.
The Cherokee Nation does not have adjudicatory authority over GSK because
GSK is not a citizen or member of the Cherokee Nation.
26.
The Cherokee Nation’s purchases of Avandia were made based on orders placed
with and delivered from wholesale distributors, and did not involve direct contact with GSK.
27.
The Cherokee Nation’s ordering and receipt of Avandia from wholesale
distributors does not constitute a consensual commercial relationship between GSK and the
Cherokee Nation.
28.
The Cherokee Nation’s purchases of Avandia do not menace the political
integrity, the economic security, or the health or welfare of the tribe.
THE CHEROKEE NATION IS ASSERTING
RELEASED CLAIMS IN THE TRIBAL COURT ACTION
29.
As a Party to the Avandia Settlement Agreement, the Cherokee Nation may not
pursue released claims for the period from January 2000 through December 2010.25 The vast
majority of the claims it is making in Tribal Court are released claims.
24
See Exhibit 1 at ¶ 16.
25
See Exhibit 1 at ¶ E.
-9-
Case 1:13-cv-13010-PBS Document 1 Filed 11/25/13 Page 10 of 13
30.
The Cherokee Nation’s Avandia-related allegations in the Tribal Court closely
parallel the Avandia-related allegations made by the United States in Count Three of the
Information.26 They also parallel the factual allegations set forth in the Avandia Settlement
Agreement.27 Thus, the Cherokee Nation’s claims derive from the same core allegations that
formed the basis for Count Three of the Information (Exhibit 3), the written Plea Agreement
(Exhibit 4) and the Avandia Settlement Agreement (Exhibit 1). In short, the Cherokee Nation’s
Petition in Tribal Court seeks recovery for released claims.
FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION
(Declaratory Judgment)
31.
GSK realleges and incorporates by reference Paragraphs 1 through 30 of this
Complaint.
32.
GSK brings this claim for declaratory judgment under 28 U.S.C. §§ 2201-02 and
Fed. R. Civ. P. 57. A dispute has arisen between GSK and the Cherokee Nation over the scope
of the released claims under the Avandia Settlement Agreement. Such dispute constitutes a
justiciable controversy between GSK and the Cherokee Nation that must be determined under
the “laws of the United States” in the “United States District Court for the District of
Massachusetts.”
33.
For the reasons stated above, GSK requests that the Court to enter judgment
declaring that, under the laws of the United States, the Causes of Action asserted against GSK by
the Cherokee Nation in the Tribal Court are released claims, in whole or in part. GSK also seeks
entry of judgment on any and all released claims.
26
Compare Exhibit 2 at ¶¶ 37-130 (Petition), with Exhibit 3 at ¶¶ 82-95 (Information).
27
See Exhibit 1 at ¶ E (reciting allegations supporting the United States’ claim that GSK engaged
in unlawful conduct relating to Avandia).
- 10 -
Case 1:13-cv-13010-PBS Document 1 Filed 11/25/13 Page 11 of 13
SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
(Declaratory Judgment)
34.
GSK realleges and incorporates by reference Paragraphs 1 through 30 of this
Complaint.
35.
GSK brings this claim for declaratory judgment under 28 U.S.C. §§ 2201-02 and
Fed. R. Civ. P. 57. A dispute has arisen between GSK and the Cherokee Nation over the
jurisdiction of the Cherokee Nation courts. Such dispute constitutes a justiciable controversy
between GSK and the Cherokee Nation that must be determined under the “laws of the United
States” in the “United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.”
36.
For the reasons stated above, GSK requests the Court to enter judgment
declaring that, under the laws of the United States, the Cherokee Nation courts do not have
jurisdiction over the claims asserted in the Petition, including all claims released under the
Avandia Settlement Agreement, because (1) GSK and the Cherokee Nation are Parties to the
Avandia Settlement Agreement; (2) the Parties to the Avandia Settlement Agreement agreed that
the exclusive jurisdiction and venue for any dispute arising between and among them shall be the
United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts; and (3) GSK is not a citizen of the
Cherokee Nation, nor did it engage in conduct that vests the Cherokee Nation’s courts with
jurisdiction over the claims asserted in the Petition.
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Case 1:13-cv-13010-PBS Document 1 Filed 11/25/13 Page 12 of 13
WHEREFORE, GSK demands judgment against the Cherokee Nation and Attorney
General Hembree as follows:
1.
For a declaratory judgment that the Cherokee Nation courts do not have
jurisdiction over the claims in the Petition, including claims released by the Avandia Settlement
Agreement;
2.
For a declaratory judgment that the Causes of Action asserted against GSK by the
Cherokee Nation in the Tribal Court are released claims under the Avandia Settlement
Agreement, in whole or in part;
3.
For entry of judgment on any and all released claims;
4.
For injunctive relief, to the extent needed, enjoining the Cherokee Nation and
Attorney General Hembree from taking any action against GSK in the Tribal Court;
5.
For an order awarding GSK the costs and disbursements of this action; and
6.
For such other, further and different relief as the Court deems just and proper.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Geoffrey E. Hobart
Geoffrey E. Hobart (Mass. Bar No. 547499)
ghobart@cov.com
Mark H. Lynch
mlynch@cov.com
COVINGTON & BURLING LLP
1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004-2401
Tel: 202.662.6000
Fax: 202.662.6291
Andrew D. Schau
aschau@cov.com
COVINGTON & BURLING LLP
The New York Times Building
620 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
Tel: 212.841-1000
Fax: 212.841-1010
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Case 1:13-cv-13010-PBS Document 1 Filed 11/25/13 Page 13 of 13
Nina M. Gussack
gussackn@pepperlaw.com
Anthony Vale
valea@pepperlaw.com
George Lehner
lehnerg@pepperlaw.com
Eric Rothschild
rothschilde@pepperlaw.com
PEPPER HAMILTON LLP
3000 Two Logan Square
Eighteenth and Arch Streets
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-2799
Tel: 215.981.4000
Fax: 215.981.4750
Dated: November 25, 2013
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